You’re a new manager. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

Becoming a new manager is an exciting and challenging opportunity, but also a potential source of stress and frustration. You may have to deal with new responsibilities, expectations, and relationships, while also maintaining your own performance and well-being. To help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls that new managers face, here are six tips to keep in mind.

1 Delegate effectively

One of the biggest mistakes new managers make is trying to do everything themselves, either because they don't trust their team, or because they don't want to lose control. This can lead to burnout, poor quality, and missed deadlines. Instead, you should learn how to delegate tasks and projects to your team members, based on their skills, interests, and availability. Delegating not only frees up your time and energy, but also empowers your team, builds trust, and fosters collaboration.

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Katie Murphy Lawrence, MHA CMPE CMOM

Elevating Leadership to Increase What's Possible in Healthcare Operations 🌟 Solving Complex Problems with Greater Ease 🌟 Doctoral Studies: Leadership + Organizational Psychology 🎤 Conference + Event Speaker 🎤
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New managers have to remember that they are no longer front line team members. A whole new skill set is involved. Teamwork takes on a completely different meaning. Delegating isn't just about whether the work gets done. It's also important for empowering your team and creating motivation within them. When team members see that the manager is doing more work than necessary, that's not a badge of honor for the manager. That tells the team that the manager doesn't trust their work. That's not something a new manager needs to be communicating!

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2 Communicate clearly

Another common mistake new managers make is failing to communicate clearly and consistently with their team, their peers, and their superiors. This can result in confusion, misunderstandings, and conflicts. To avoid this, you should establish regular and transparent communication channels, such as meetings, emails, and feedback sessions. You should also communicate your goals, expectations, and priorities, as well as listen to your team's ideas, concerns, and feedback. Communication is key to building rapport, alignment, and engagement.

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Katie Murphy Lawrence, MHA CMPE CMOM

Elevating Leadership to Increase What's Possible in Healthcare Operations 🌟 Solving Complex Problems with Greater Ease 🌟 Doctoral Studies: Leadership + Organizational Psychology 🎤 Conference + Event Speaker 🎤
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Rule of Thumb... If you think you are over-communicating, you are probably communicating just enough. Use multiple channels to communicate information to the team: - Bulletin boards - Emails - Staff meetings - One-on-one meetings - Walking around the office (or virtually checking in) The key is to have many ways for employees to receive the message. And ... make sure the message is more than just factual. It has to be factual, of course, but if there is anything that the team needs to DO... there also has to be purpose and meaning communicated to the team. Motivation comes from emotion, not facts. Communicate purpose and meaning.

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3 Manage your time

As a new manager, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount and variety of tasks you have to handle, from planning and budgeting, to coaching and mentoring, to reporting and problem-solving. This can make you lose focus, procrastinate, or neglect important aspects of your role. To avoid this, you should manage your time wisely, by prioritizing your tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and avoiding distractions. You should also create a schedule that balances your work and personal life, and allows you to take breaks and recharge.

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4 Develop your team

A common mistake new managers make is focusing too much on their own development, and not enough on their team's development. This can lead to stagnation, demotivation, and turnover. To avoid this, you should invest in your team's growth, by providing them with training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. You should also encourage them to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and share their knowledge. Developing your team not only improves their performance and satisfaction, but also your own reputation and credibility.

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5 Seek feedback

Another common mistake new managers make is assuming they know everything, or being afraid to admit they don't. This can lead to arrogance, isolation, or insecurity. To avoid this, you should seek feedback from your team, your peers, and your superiors, on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. You should also be open to constructive criticism, and willing to learn from your mistakes. Seeking feedback not only helps you improve your skills and confidence, but also shows your humility and respect.

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6 Celebrate success

One of the biggest mistakes new managers make is forgetting to celebrate success, either because they are too busy, or because they take it for granted. This can lead to dissatisfaction, resentment, and complacency. To avoid this, you should recognize and reward your team's achievements, both individually and collectively. You should also celebrate your own success, and acknowledge your contributions and efforts. Celebrating success not only boosts your team's morale and motivation, but also your own happiness and fulfillment.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Suzanne Spencer

Senior Network Manager at Coventry Workers Compensation, MBA
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Never fear answering with let me look into that and get back to you. No one person has all the answers. Being willing to admit this and research for best answer, allows for a stronger team, collaboration, and shared knowledge base.

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Robert Earley

Owner at Earley Aesthetics, LLC | Cosmetic Director at Generations Medical Aesthetics | Certified Clinical Trainer & Laser Provider
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As a new manager, avoid micromanaging, ignoring problems, and failing to listen. Be transparent, prioritize effectively, set clear expectations, embrace change, treat everyone fairly, invest in development, and take ownership. These actions foster a positive team dynamic and enhance your effectiveness as a leader.

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You’re a new manager. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Delegate effectively

2 Communicate clearly

3 Manage your time

4 Develop your team

5 Seek feedback

6 Celebrate success

7 Here’s what else to consider

Practice Management

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You’re a new manager. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Delegate effectively

2 Communicate clearly

3 Manage your time

4 Develop your team

5 Seek feedback

6 Celebrate success

7 Here’s what else to consider

Practice Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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